The school principal was delivering the semester's academic overview.

Elise arrived to find the auditorium already packed with parents.

She found a seat toward the back.

She listened intently to the school's educational philosophy about student development.

Then came the student awards ceremony.

Elise watched James ascend the stage with a group of other children.

His small head kept turning, clearly searching for someone.

When Elise waved, his face immediately lit up with recognition.

Victoria, seated in the front row, beamed with pride.

"I've never seen James smile like that! He truly stands out on stage."

William remained silent, understanding exactly what had sparked the boy's sudden excitement.

After the ceremony, teachers led students to the gymnasium in orderly lines.

Parents followed behind.

Though the gym was spacious, Elise remained near the entrance.

That's when she spotted William and Victoria sitting in the front row.

Victoria was chatting animatedly with William.

So she'd traveled all this way for James's sports meet? Such dedication from a stepmother.

The athletic events commenced promptly.

Each competition proceeded smoothly, with James excelling in both high jump and sprinting.

While Elise maintained her composure, Victoria cheered wildly whenever James competed.

Elise noticed James flushing with embarrassment at the excessive attention.

As parents began moving toward the swimming pool for the next event, Victoria noticed Elise and feigned surprise.

"Miss Scott! You're here too? Where have you been sitting? I didn't see you earlier!"

"I arrived late and had to sit in the back," Elise explained.

"You should sit up front for a better view. Did you see James earlier? He's absolutely remarkable!"

Victoria spoke with proprietary pride, as if James were her own child.

Elise politely humored her until William guided Victoria away.

The swimming competition began shortly after.

Elise watched James approach the pool's edge in his swim trunks.

Victoria's enthusiastic cheering began again, making James visibly uncomfortable.

When he turned toward Elise, she gave him two thumbs-up of encouragement.

He responded with a confident grin.

In that moment, a cold glint flashed behind Victoria's smiling facade.

She had always treated James with kindness.

Even if she admitted her motives involved pleasing William, her affection felt genuine.

Yet since returning to Zidonia, she'd noticed James's obvious preference for Elise.

What dark magic had Elise used to enchant both William and James so completely?

The starting whistle blew.

James dove into the pool with perfect form.

He surged forward with powerful strokes, quickly taking the lead.

Elise felt a surge of pride—he reminded her of her own athletic youth.

After the swimming event, James headed to the changing rooms.

Whether intentional or not, William left with Victoria, allowing Elise to wait for James alone.